Mack, Jackson, Patterson will represent Bears at Pro Bowl
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, safety Eddie Jackson and special teams ace Cordarrelle Patterson will represent the Chicago Bears as 2020 Pro Bowlers, the NFL announced Tuesday. Mack and Patterson were named starters, and the Bears also have three Pro Bowl alternates - NT Eddie Goldman, recognized for the first time; and CB Kyle Fuller and PR Tarik Cohen, both starters in their first Pro Bowls last season.
While the Bears defense again ranks in the top 10 in most statistical categories, it hasn't matched last year's prolific playmaking stature. But that didn't prevent Mack from being voted a Pro Bowler for the fifth consecutive season, with Jackson returning in back-to-back years.
In addition to his 7.5 sacks, Mack has 5 forced fumbles, running his NFL-leading total to 17 since the start of the 2016 season. Jackson also hasn't replicated his previous ball production or found the end zone after combining for 8 interceptions and 5 defensive touchdowns during his first two seasons. But he has performed well while tasked with more dirty work closer to the line of scrimmage and tallying 57 tackles in addition to 1 sack, 1 INT and 4 passes defensed.
The newcomer Patterson perhaps has been the best of the bunch, with an NFL-best 799 kick return yards, 6 special teams tackles and a number of spectacular plays both as a gunner and returner on punt teams. The NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November, Patterson has surprised with his rounded excellence in the third phase after arriving known mostly for his game-breaking return ability.
The NFL's annual all-star game will be held the week before the Super Bowl on Jan. 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
If the Bears have a Pro Bowl snub this season, it's most definitely Allen Robinson. In his second season removed from a torn ACL, the Bears' long-sought No. 1 receiver has been their offensive MVP, with a career-high 83 catches for 8 TDs and 1,023 receiving yards. But the NFC is simply loaded with blue-chip wideouts, including record-breaking Michael Thomas of the Saints and perennial Pro Bowler Julio Jones of the Falcons.